The Chicago Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday, showing how the WNBA's new CBA is already shaping player salaries — especially for young stars on rookie contracts.
Two-time WNBA All-Star Reese remains on rookie deal after averaging 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds through her first two seasons. This includes back-to-back years leading the league in rebounding.
Entering her third season, Reese would have earned just over $75,000 under the previous CBA. That number reflects the current structure, where top draft picks are locked into scale deals early into their careers.
However, her situation will change in Atlanta. With the new CBA adjustments, Reese's salary is expected jump to roughly $350,692, according to Spotrac.
Even before the deal became official, Reese called attention to the league's salary disparities, explaining how it influenced player negotiations.
"Everybody wants to play but all of us want to play at what we should be compensated for," Reese said from USA Basketball training camp. "So we're just going to continue to negotiate. Negotiation is not easy."
The new CBA raises salaries across the league, especially for players outperforming rookie contracts. And Reese's recent trade shows just how quickly those changes can make an impact.
What's Next for Angel Reese Under the New CBA
The Dream now holds a team option for 2027 worth $396,282. If Reese earns All-WNBA honors this season, she subsequently becomes eligible for a maximum contract with potential to reach $1.4 million.
And that leap could become a reality. Reese is a two-time All-Star, having led the league in rebounding in each of her first two seasons while earning All-Rookie honors in 2024.
Atlanta benefits from that structure. Reese's salary sits at roughly 5% of the $7 million cap — well below the league's projected $583,000 average salary. That cost control gives the Dream flexibility as it continues roster-building via free agency.
